Arts
**This podcast was recorded using Zoom | September 14, 2021 **David Wantuck, the Community Engagement Specialist at Deaf Access Services, an Affiliate of People Inc. (DAS), discusses DAS's mission, the services it provides, and its current projects and events. **Resources**www.wnydas.orgEmail: communications@wnydas.org**Notes**In February 2019, Deaf Access Services formed an affiliation with People Incorporated in order to meet the growing needs of the WNY Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.**DAS Services**CAREER PATHWAYS PROGRAM- The DAS Career Pathways Program team assists qualified Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals with all aspects of their job search.INTERPRETING, CART, AND CAPTIONING SERVICES – –Deaf Access Services is the leading not for profit agency in Western New York that provides Qualified Sign Language Interpreters, CART and VRI Services.–Interpreters are evaluated by highly qualified staff and are expected to adhere to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct. –We also support the use of captioning and interpreting in all video content, ensuring access to the information for all viewers. We offer customizable captioning based on a business or organizations needs and offer captioning combined with ASL interpretation or voice-over interpretation.COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES- Services are available for Deaf, Deaf/Blind, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened individuals who are experiencing various obstacles to mainstream services.We provide assistance with: •General Information/Referrals•Health Care Access•Housing Issues•Legal and Financial Referrals•SSI/SSDI Letters•Social Services (DSS) Matters•Assistive Devices for Home Deaf Access Services also assists business and organizations navigating their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).ASL CLASSES & OUTREACH- DAS provides education about Deaf and Hard of Hearing to the Western New York community through:•Sign Language classes•Outreach presentations•Deaf Community workshopsThrough these educational opportunities, DAS enhances Self-Awareness in the Deaf Community and increases knowledge of Deaf Culture. DAS offers ongoing day and evening classes to teach American Sign Language (ASL), providing opportunity for ALL individuals.NEW AMERICANS PROGRAM DAS provides education and case management services for Deaf refugees and immigrants from around the world to assist them in their acculturation process in Western New York.Support the show (https://donate.democracyengine.com/DRNY/contribute)